Today’s actions or behavior of the Republican minority reminds me of a familiar theme from United States political history. In 1948, President Truman had to face a similar environment, but with a Republican controlled congress. Known as the “do-nothing” congress, the Republicans themselves called upon social security expansion and the promotion of health and education by the federal government. The Republican majority, however, was divided, creating a climate whose forecast involved President Truman’s failure to seek a second term in office.
We all know how that fairy tail ended.
The Republicans are predicting a great victory in November. Are they not students of history? If there is one thing the American party hates most, its the perception of being lazy (even though I think we are a very lazy people). We like to drive our big gas hungry trucks, drive 80 MpH down the freeway, and bestow upon the rich the powers to eliminate tens if not thousands of jobs. A storm of chaos is brewing when countries such as France or Spain is perceived as being “more” progressive than the United States. President Obama stated in his state of the union that he doesn’t accept second place. Well neither do the citizens of the United States and nor should the Republicans. When Ford’s theme of like a rock evolves to that of drive one, there’s a problem. Rocks can’t float in a sea of change.
So where do we go from here?
The Democrats need to follow George Bush Jr’s strategy to “stay the course.” In a sense, the Democratic majority have absolutely nothing to lose. If “change” brings about a Republican strategy of forcing a stale-mate, doing nothing as their Republican counterparts would most certainly force the Republicans to go on the “offensive.” And the Democrats don’t want to be perceived as the problem, they want to be seen as the solution. After all, the democrats do have a mandate brought about by the American people. Creating an environment where Obama will be forced to use his veto powers is not wise. There isn’t much unifying the Republican party other than religion and greed. If it involves giving women the rights to do anything, or take away the banks right to steal from anybody, you can forget about it. Let the Republicans speak! After a while ( Sarah Palin ), people will see and hear how idiotic and extremist they really are.
If I were Republican, I would have taken this “do-nothing” stance in the summer as opposed to spring. But as of now, I believe President Obama is doing the right thing. Up the rhetoric and expose the Republicans for who they are and what they are doing. It’s free air time for Obama and will only drain the banks of the Republican party coming into the November elections.